STEM Camps and Events Around the Nation

By Gretchen Sparling

When you think of science, technology, engineering and math, you probably picture a school classroom.

But learning about things like veterinary medicine, astronomy, aviation, oceanography, robotics and more doesn’t have to take place at school. You can discover these things at Scout camps and special events hosted at some cool places like beneath the ocean, under starry skies and in airfields.

STEM X

Explore fields like game design, engineering and much more at STEM X, a weeklong overnight program designed for young men and women in ninth grade and above.

Discover what it’s like to work in industries including architecture, engineering, chemistry and physics with the help of field experts. You’ll even get a chance to meet with area college and trade school representatives.

By the end of the week, you’ll know a lot about starting a career in a STEM occupation.

STEM@CM

STEM@CM is all about options. Choose to stay at camp for the full resident-camper experience or opt for a day-camp schedule. Then choose up to four STEM-related merit badges to complete in four days. Take your pick from a list of 11: Architecture, Astronomy, Digital Technology, Electricity, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geocaching, Medicine, Robotics, Space Exploration and Surveying.

Resident campers will have a chance to explore other activities at Camp Mountaineer like zip lining, shooting sports, swimming and more.

Guided by Alaska Airlines pilots, mechanics and volunteers, this is a chance to “kick the tires” of some of the airline’s largest planes and explore the world of jets with the engineers who design them. Participants ages 13 and older will discover how planes are constructed; how flights are planned, scheduled and executed; how airplanes are maintained; and much more.

For those interested in a career in aviation, this two-day event (no camping required) will cover careers in air-traffic control, flight attending, piloting and more.

Rugged Oceanographers

What better place to explore underwater environments than at this incredible oceanfront camp? In the weeklong Rugged Oceanographers program at Camp Emerald Bay, Scouts 14 and older will learn advanced scuba skills as they explore an underwater “classroom” off the coast of Catalina Island.

Scouts already scuba certified can experience several advanced deep dives, including recovery dives and even night dives, lit by only a dive light and glowing algae. Top it off by investigating local ecosystems at the Pennington Marine Science Center.

Eclipse Day

Catch a rare glimpse of this century’s first eclipse — when the moon obscures the light of the sun. Pfeffer Scout Reservation sits in the “path of totality,” meaning visitors will have a chance to witness the total eclipse, not just a partial eclipse.

Scouts will work side by side with astronomers, photographers, scientists and other experts during this weekend campout. If you miss viewing this eclipse, you’ll have to wait seven years for the next opportunity.

Flight, Technology & Shooting Sports School

If you feel the need for speed, step into an F-16 flight simulator cockpit during this weeklong camp experience. Here Scouts will fly simulated air combat missions together or on opposing teams — all while earning the Aviation merit badge.

When not on the flight deck, Scouts can earn up to 18 STEM and shooting-sports merit badges, including Archery, Aviation, Electricity, Robotics, Shotgun Shooting, Space Exploration and more.

SCOUTBOTICS

Spend the morning designing and constructing your own robot with help from experts. Then compete and race your ’bot later that afternoon. This one-day event is open to Scouts, Explorers and Venturers ages 11-17.

After you’re done, you’ll get to take home your robot for continued designing and rebuilding. Plus, Scouts will complete requirements for the Robotics merit badge.

STEM Trek

Get a whole new glimpse of the backcountry as you experience a 12-day trek led by two Philmont rangers with expertise in applying science, technology, engineering and math in an outdoor classroom like no other.

Participants will get an insider’s look at how things work at the ranch, such as: the historical technology used by miners and loggers on the property during the 19th century; the physics behind backcountry programs like rock climbing, blacksmithing and shooting sports; hands-on activities using forestry tools, including testing water quality; and much more.

Crews are co-ed and designed for Scouts or Venturers who are at least 14 and have completed the eighth grade.

STEM-O-RAMA

Try your hand at maneuvering drones and robots, operating flight simulators, making light bulbs glow by riding a bike and so much more at STEM-O-RAMA.

During this weekend event, choose to camp one or two nights in the Sandwich Fairgrounds, where Scouts will experience more than 100 exhibits featuring science, technology, engineering and math activities.

On Saturday night, watch an arena show with an impressive fireworks display and other entertainment. Camping is $25 for Scouts ages 7-17. Admission for day visitors for Saturday-only activities is $10.

STEM at Camp Spencer

Don’t want to leave behind your cellphone or computer while you’re at camp? No worries. Your favorite devices are welcome during the STEM at Camp Spencer program.

This camp boasts several “scientific high-adventure activities.” Explore topics such as computers, learning about the hardware behind today’s technology and helping to build a microprocessor. Other activities like digital animation, game design, 3-D printing and earning a drone-flying license will keep campers engaged all week long.

Don’t see a camp or event close to you? Head to your council’s website and search for “STEM.” Your council might offer STEM merit badge events and more.